Top 10 Best High School Internships in San Diego, CA 2026

Last Updated: October 1, 2025 | Author: Career Development Team

Introduction

Exploring internships for high school students in San Diego can open doors into biotech, marine science, medicine, environmental protection, and the arts. San Diego is home to leading research institutes (Scripps, Salk), conservation organizations (San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance), and a vibrant civic sector. For high schoolers, getting hands-on internship experiences helps build your résumé, clarify your interests, and connect you with mentors in your chosen field.

Below you’ll find a curated list of programs likely active in the 2025–2026 cycle, plus tips on how to apply, sample timelines, and answers to frequently asked questions. Use the listed opportunities as a starting point, and double-check details with the organizations directly.

Top High School Internship Programs in San Diego 2026-2027

1. Heithoff-Brody High School Scholars Program

Organization: Salk Institute
Description: Paid lab research internship: interns work alongside Salk scientists, engage in seminars, and present a research project.
Eligibility: 16+ years, San Diego County resident, chemistry & biology completed, GPA requirement
Duration: 8 weeks (Summer)
Compensation: Paid (hourly)
Deadline: Usually via spring cycle
Apply: Salk Institute High School Scholars page

2. Internships at San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance

Organization: San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance
Description: Conservation, wildlife care, horticulture, IT, and social media internships in a zoological setting.
Eligibility: High school students, meeting org’s criteria
Duration: 10 weeks (Summer)
Compensation: Paid or stipend — depending on position
Deadline: Application window in November prior year
Apply: Zoo internships page

3. REHS / SDSC High School Research Internships

Organization: San Diego Supercomputer Center / UCSD
Description: Students are paired with mentors and conduct computational science or data research projects.
Eligibility: High school students (grades 10–12) interested in STEM
Duration: Summer term (~8-12 weeks)
Compensation: Usually unpaid / stipend (depending on program)
Deadline: Application windows align with UCSD / SDSC schedule
Apply: SDSC “StudentTech / Internship” page

4. Scripps Research Summer Internship Program

Organization: Scripps Research Institute
Description: Intensive lab research internships in biology, chemistry, and biomedical science.
Eligibility: High school students (often through partner schools)
Duration: Summer (8–10 weeks)
Compensation: Paid or stipend (depending on funding)
Deadline: Application cycles prior to summer
Apply: Scripps Research internship page

5. Internships & Student Worker Programs – San Diego County

Organization: County of San Diego
Description: Department-based student worker roles and internship positions in HR, health, environment, and public service.
Eligibility: High school or college students
Duration: Varies by placement
Compensation: Paid (hourly)
Deadline: Depends on department posting
Apply: San Diego County HR / Internships page

6. City of San Diego Youth / Civic Internships

Organization: City of San Diego
Description: Programs for teens to participate in civic engagement, government, policy, or municipal services.
Eligibility: Teenagers (various ages)
Duration: Summer / part-time
Compensation: Varies by program
Deadline: Applications when the city opens recruitment
Apply: City “Internship and Work Readiness” page

7. San Diego Natural History Museum Internships

Organization: The Nat / SDNHM
Description: Interns rotate through science departments (Entomology, Paleontology, Botany), assist with research and collections.
Eligibility: Age 16+, enrolled via school program, interest in natural sciences
Duration: Varies (summer or semester)
Compensation: Unpaid (credit or school agreement)
Deadline: Application windows are posted periodically
Apply: SDNHM internship page

8. Ladder High School Internship Program (San Diego)

Organization: Ladder Internships / Startups
Description: Students placed in startup companies across sectors (tech, health tech, media) for real work experience.
Eligibility: High school students (often 16+)
Duration: ~6 months or rotations (depending on model)
Compensation: Paid roles (stipends or wages depending on startup)
Deadline: Application rounds (Oct, Jan, April, July)
Apply: Ladder Internships site

9. Palomar Health Pathmaker Internship

Organization: Palomar Health (near San Diego)
Description: Healthcare support roles, admin & clinical shadowing across departments.
Eligibility: Students 16+, often from the region
Duration: 6 months (full program)
Compensation: Paid stipend / compensation (varies)
Deadline: Rolling deadlines
Apply: Palomar Health Pathmaker info

10. NextVet Internship – Veterinary & Animal Health

Organization: Banfield Pet Hospital / NextVet
Description: Interns assist veterinarians, support clinic operations, and participate in group learning sessions.
Eligibility: Age 16+, interest in animal health
Duration: ~6–10 weeks (Summer)
Compensation: Stipend / paid (depending on location)
Deadline: Early application window
Apply: NextVet / Banfield internship info

11. UC San Diego COSMOS Program

Organization: UC San Diego
Description: Four-week residential STEM program for high-achieving students. Hands-on research clusters in areas like oceanography, computer science, engineering, and biomedical sciences.
Eligibility: Grades 8-12, strong STEM background, competitive application
Duration: 4 weeks (Summer residential)
Compensation: Tuition-based (financial aid available)
Deadline: February-March 2026
Apply: Visit UCSD COSMOS website

12. Fleet Science Center Teen Programs

Organization: Fleet Science Center – Balboa Park
Description: Museum education, exhibit interpretation, and STEM programming internship. Work with visitors, assist with programs, and support science demonstrations.
Eligibility: Ages 14-18, San Diego area
Duration: Academic year or summer, 8-12 hrs/week
Compensation: Paid – $15/hour
Deadline: October 2025 & February 2026
Apply: Visit Fleet Science Center website

13. San Diego Humane Society Youth Programs

Organization: San Diego Humane Society
Description: Animal welfare, veterinary care, and shelter operations internship. Work with animal care teams, assist with adoption programs, and support community outreach.
Eligibility: Ages 16+, grades 10-12
Duration: Flexible (Year-round), minimum 4 hrs/week
Compensation: Volunteer (unpaid)
Deadline: Rolling admissions
Apply: Visit SDHS volunteer page

14. Qualcomm Thinkabit Lab Programs

Organization: Qualcomm
Description: Hands-on engineering and technology programs introducing students to product development, design thinking, and innovation at tech company’s innovation center.
Eligibility: Middle and high school students, San Diego area
Duration: Varies by program (workshops and camps)
Compensation: Free programs
Deadline: Varies by session
Apply: Visit Qualcomm Thinkabit Lab website

15. Rady Children’s Hospital Volunteer Program

Organization: Rady Children’s Hospital
Description: Healthcare exposure at premier children’s hospital. Work in patient support, family services, administrative roles, and various clinical departments.
Eligibility: Ages 15-18, grades 10-12, application and interview required
Duration: Flexible (Year-round), minimum 4 hrs/week, 100 hour commitment
Compensation: Unpaid (certificate and recommendation letter)
Deadline: Rolling admissions
Apply: Visit Rady Children’s volunteer page

⚠️ Note: This table is based on historical and publicly available data. For 2026, program dates, application windows, pay, and eligibility may change. Always verify by visiting each organization’s website or contacting them directly.

How to Apply for Internships in San Diego

Application Methods

Online Application Portals — Many research institutes (e.g., Salk, Scripps) require applications via their website or linked portals.
School / District Partnerships — Some positions require you to apply through your high school or be part of a school-organized internship program.
Direct Email or Program Forms — Museums, zoos, or nonprofit roles sometimes accept applications via email or custom forms, including a resume, cover letter, and transcript.
County / City HR Systems — For county or city positions, apply via the official HR portal or internship/hiring section.

Documents You’ll Typically Need

Resume (1 page, focusing on academic, volunteer, and club experiences)
Cover Letter / Statement of Purpose — tailored to each program
Transcript / Report Card (often unofficial is okay)
Letters of Recommendation — usually from teachers or mentors
Proof of Age / ID
Work Permit (if under 18 / per California rules)
Proof of Residency or Local Eligibility (for county/city programs)

Suggested Timeline

Season / Months	Recommended Actions
Sept – Nov	Research programs, note eligibility, reach out to contacts, begin drafting materials
Dec – Jan	Request recommendation letters, finalize resume and cover letters
Jan – March	Submit applications (many programs open early year)
March – May	Internship period: engage fully, network, reflect on experience
June – August	Internship period: engage fully, network, and reflect on experience

Programs like the Salk Institute often open applications in early spring for summer cohorts. (Salk Institute for Biological Studies) The San Diego Zoo internships list open recruitment dates in late fall for the following summer periods. (San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance)

Tips for Stronger Applications

Align with the mission and goals of each organization, especially in labs, museums, and conservation.
Show genuine passion for the field. Don’t just say “I like science” — reference specific topics or projects you’ve engaged in.
Use school projects, clubs, or volunteer work to show initiative, leadership, or teamwork.
Tailor your cover letter to each program — mention why San Diego or that institution appeals to you.
Apply broadly — aim for at least 5–8 internships to increase your chances.
Follow up professionally after submission or an interview with a polite gratitude email.

Interview Preparation

Research the organization (mission, recent work, research themes).
Prepare answers to common questions: “Tell me about yourself,” “Why this internship?” “What challenges did you overcome?”
Prepare a few thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer.
Dress in business casual (even for virtual interviews).
For virtual interviews, ensure a clean background, good lighting, and stable internet.
Practice technical questions or scenarios (especially for lab/engineering roles).

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there paid internships for high school students in San Diego?

Yes. Programs like the Salk Institute’s Heithoff-Brody are paid lab internships. (Salk Institute for Biological Studies) City/county student worker roles are typically hourly-paid positions. (County of San Diego) Zoo internships may offer pay or stipends depending on role. (San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance)

When should I apply for summer internships in San Diego?

Many research and institutional programs open applications in late winter to early spring (e.g., February–April). Zoo and nonprofit organizations often announce applications in late fall or early winter for the next summer cycle.

Do I need prior experience to apply?

Not always. Many high school internship programs are entry-level — they look for motivation, strong school performance, and transferable skills rather than full prior employment.

Can freshmen and sophomores apply?

Some programs are open to younger students, but many prefer juniors and seniors, especially for research-intensive roles. Always check individual eligibility.

How many hours per week do interns work?

During summer, internships often require full-time commitment (30–40 hours/week). Semester or school-year programs may be part-time (10–20 hours/week).

Are internships only during the summer or year-round?

Most are summer programs, but some county or city positions, or school-year research programs at SDSC, may run part of the academic year. (SDSC Education)

What is the difference between paid and unpaid internships?

Paid roles compensate students via hourly wages or stipends. Unpaid roles often focus on educational benefits or school credit. Legit unpaid internships should primarily benefit the student’s education.

Can I get school credit for internships in San Diego?

Yes, in some cases if coordinated through your high school or district. For museum or research programs, a formal agreement with the school is sometimes required (e.g. museum requires “enrolled via school program”). (The Nat)

Do I need a work permit?

Yes, for minors under 18, certain programs may require work permits per California labor laws. Check with your school’s counseling or work-based learning office.

What is appropriate attire for internship interviews?

Business casual is best. For men: slacks, a collared shirt. For women: pants or a knee-length skirt with a professional blouse. Keep it clean, modest, and neutral. For virtual interviews, dress properly from the waist up and ensure a tidy background.

Explore More Internship Opportunities

Final Thoughts

San Diego offers a vibrant ecosystem of internship possibilities in biotechnology, environmental science, conservation, civic services, and the arts. The 10 programs listed above are excellent starting points — if some positions are unavailable in a given year, use them as templates to find similar roles.

Begin preparing early, apply widely, and make each application personal. Whether you intern at Salk, in a zoo, or in municipal services, each experience can shape your future.

Ready to take the next step? Bookmark your favorite programs, set reminders for application deadlines, and engage your school counselor in supporting your journey.

Top 10 Best High School Internships in San Diego, CA 2026

Introduction

Top High School Internship Programs in San Diego 2026-2027